Knockout by Gers would be like Wend of the world
Sunday Mail 57
Bayer Leverkusen defender Wendell admits it would be a disaster if Rangers knock them out of the Europa League.
The Brazilian defender knows the Bundesliga outfit are in the driving seat after a 3-1 first- leg victory at Ibrox back in March.
And the 27- year- old insists anything other than progression to the last eight won’t be acceptable for Peter Bosz’s side.
Ahead of the midweek clash in Germany, Wendell said: “It will be a disaster for Leverkusen if we are knocked out in this match after winning in Glasgow.
“But the world of football is not as simple as that so we need another goal on Thursday.
“We were superior in Scotland but so much time has passed now so this match will be different.
“Rangers won’t be an easy rival but I’m optimistic. Qualification is in our hands, especially if we play the way we did in the last few weeks of the Bundesliga.
“This is a rare situation but the only thing that matters now is getting into the next round.
“Rangers will be dangerous but we believe we can reach the final.”
Meanwhile, Wendell ’s South
American team- mate Lucas Alario says Bayer will use their disappointment of not qualifying for the Champions League as motivation to see off Gers.
The Argentine forward was gutted when Leverkusen missed out on a top-four Bundesliga finish by just two points, meaning they will be back in the Europa League for season 2020/21.
That’s unless they go all the way this term – with the Europa League winners sealing a Champions League slot – and Alario confident of moving into the quarter-finals.
He said: “Our work in the Bundesliga after coronavirus was good but we missed out by two points on the Champions League.
“That has given us focus on the Europa League this season and our challenge is to reach the final.
“We have an advantage from the first match but we can’t remember the score in Glasgow – we must play this is a solitary match.
“Rangers have a good squad and gave us some problems in Scotland.
“They won’t be coming to Germany for a holiday – this will be like a final for Rangers.
“But, of course, it’s not easy to score three goals in Leverkusen.
“We’ve studied Rangers to avoid any surprises and if we maintain our level, we can go through without many nerves.
“If we score first that will destroy our opponents.”